So are you saying that ONLY those who have been water baptized using the specific formula "in Jesus name" have experienced the new birth and that the new birth is a direct result of being water baptized? Do you believe that those who truly repent and believe the gospel, but were baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (as Jesus specifically stated in Matthew 28:19) have not experienced the new birth?
Acts 19:2-6 KJV
He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. [3] And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. [4] Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. [5] When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. [6] And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
The problem with following the letter of Matthew 28:19 (and quoting the words) instead of following the spirit of Matthew 28:19 (and using the NAME) is that the letter kills (but the spirit gives life).
You're welcome to believe and be baptized in whatever phrase you care to use. God sets before you life AND death and allows you to choose whichever you prefer. (Although he exhorts all to choose life).
Love in Jesus,
Kelby
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